Job Description

Posting number: 2026-06073

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: BHHA

Job classification: LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE 4

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Health Services, Mental Health, Public Health, Nursing, Human Services, Health Education, Allied Health, Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Health Care Support, Medical

Summary

DSHS WSH Lead Licensed Practical Nurse

As a Licensed Practical Nurse 4 at Western State Hospital, you will work in a Civil unit supporting adults with serious mental health needs. This role will place you at the center of daily care, where your nursing skills, communication and steady presence will help keep patients safe and supported.

You will provide hands-on nursing care while also serving as a lead worker for Licensed Practical Nurses and Mental Health Technicians. You will help guide daily work, answer questions and support staff as they carry out patient care tasks. Your role will help maintain structure, safety and consistency throughout each shift.

Each day, you will respond to a mix of routine care and urgent situations. Under the direction of a Registered Nurse, you will use clear judgment, teamwork and calm decision-making to support patient well-being and keep the unit running smoothly.

Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary. Evening and Night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate. Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

Some of what you'll do:

• Provide direct nursing care to patients based on treatment plans and daily needs.
• Assign non-clinical tasks to Licensed Practical Nurses and Mental Health Technicians to support unit operations.
• Administer medications and accurately transcribe provider orders.
• Observe patient condition changes and communicate concerns to the Registered Nurse.
• Intervene safely with patients exhibiting high-risk or aggressive behaviors.
• Use de-escalation techniques and select the least restrictive interventions available.
• Participate in Code Gray responses and patient containment when directed.
• Apply restraints when required to protect patient and staff safety, following Registered Nurse guidance.
• Educate Licensed Practical Nurses as a super-user in medication systems and procedures.
• Train Mental Health Technicians in basic nursing care delivery and patient care equipment use.
• Check medication rooms, supplies and equipment to ensure readiness and safe storage.
• Teach patients adaptive living skills during daily activities and group or one-on-one interactions.
• Transport patients to appointments, programs or other locations as assigned.

Who should apply? Professionals with:

A valid license to practice as an LPN in Washington State.

AND

Two years of experience as an LPN.

Additional knowledge, skills and abilities we are looking for:

• Mental health experience: Applies nursing knowledge to support adults with serious mental health needs, recognize changes in behavior and respond safely during high-risk or crisis situations.
• Communication skills: Builds clear, respectful exchanges with patients, nursing staff and unit partners to share observations, provide direction and explain care.
• Technology system abilities: Supports accurate documentation, medication administration and daily work within electronic health record and medication systems.
• Equipment confidence: Ensures safe operation, routine checks and appropriate instruction related to patient care equipment, emergency tools and treatment room supplies.

Interested? Apply now!

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Questions? Please contact DSHS Recruiter, Alex Baclaan, at Alex.Baclaan@dshs.wa.gov and reference 06073.

Supplemental information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protect­ed veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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